Name: Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g); 1 ¼ tsp baking soda; 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional); 1 cup unsalted butter (226g), softened; 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar (291g), plus about ½ cup for rolling; 3 tbsp orange zest; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp orange extract; Orange gel food coloring (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 59 reviews

If you love the cozy warmth of spices mixed with bright citrus notes, you are going to fall head over heels for this Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe. These cookies combine the subtle earthiness of ground cloves with the vibrant zing of fresh orange zest, delivering a flavor punch that dances delightfully on your tongue. Soft, chewy, and lightly scented, they make for the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or to share at a gathering where everyone will be asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three clear glass bowls are arranged side by side on a white marbled texture. The first bowl contains a smooth, light brown batter being stirred with a metal whisk with a wooden handle. The batter is thick and glossy, coating the sides of the bowl. In the second bowl, a wooden spoon mixes white flour into the same light brown batter, creating a swirling mix of white powder and batter in the center. The flour sits mainly on top, with the spoon partly submerged. The third bowl shows the thick, textured light brown dough after the flour has been mostly mixed in, with a metal spoon pressing into it from the right side. The dough fills much of the bowl and looks firm but pliable. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe plays an important role to create that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the richness of butter to the aromatic bursts of orange zest, these essentials come together simply yet powerfully to produce cookies your friends and family will adore.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, making them tender yet sturdy enough for handling.
1 ¼ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and adds a light texture.
1 ¼ tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional): Adds a warm, spicy depth that makes the cookies feel special.
1 cup unsalted butter: Gives richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
1 ¾ cup granulated sugar plus ~½ cup for rolling: Sweetens the dough and adds a delightful crunch on the outside.
3 tbsp orange zest: Infuses fresh citrus aroma and brightens every bite.
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for chewy texture.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Deepens overall flavor for luscious warmth.
½ tsp orange extract: Boosts the citrus notes for extra vibrancy.
Orange gel food coloring: Gives a cheerful pop of color, complementing the orange zest traits.

How to Make Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preparing a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to bake your heavenly cookies as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cloves. These ingredients will create the flour mixture that forms the base of your cookie dough, imparting both texture and that subtle clove warmth.

Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest

Place granulated sugar and fresh orange zest in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl if mixing by hand. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar—this releases the essential oils and infuses the sugar with bright citrus flavor, which is key for the essence of this recipe.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Zesty Sugar

Add softened unsalted butter to the orange sugar mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The goal is a light, fluffy mixture that will create a soft and tender cookie base.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and orange extract until fully combined. These ingredients enrich the dough and deepen the citrus and vanilla flavors, making every bite more fragrant and delicious.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat just until the dough comes together and no dry flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle and patient here.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies

Pour about ½ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl for rolling. Scoop out dough using a 2-tablespoon scoop, roll into balls, then roll each one generously in the sugar to create a pretty, sparkly coating. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, and gently pat the balls down just a little to help them spread evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes. For the softest and chewiest texture, take them out when the centers still look slightly underdone—the residual heat will finish the job beautifully. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe

A plate filled with round and star-shaped cookies covered in light beige icing, stacked in layers with some dried orange slices placed between and around them. On top of the star-shaped cookie, there is a dark brown star anise, and two cinnamon sticks rest diagonally on the plate. The plate is set against a warm, dim background decorated with glowing candles, pine cones, and rustic wicker balls, creating a cozy, festive mood. The surface underneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of white chocolate can elevate these cookies when serving to guests. For a holiday twist, sprinkle some finely chopped candied orange peel on top to complement the orange zest flavor.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even mulled cider in colder months. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes them an irresistible dessert pairing, especially when you want a contrast of warm and cold sensations.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a charming platter alongside dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. You can also stack them into mini cookie towers tied with rustic twine as delightful party favors or gifts that show your thoughtfulness and creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving their lovely chewy texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe later, freeze the unbaked dough balls separated on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive the softness of stored baked cookies, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This will refresh the texture and bring back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I omit the ground cloves if I don’t like spices?

Absolutely! The cloves are optional and add a lovely warmth, but if you prefer a simpler citrus flavor, the cookies will still be delicious without them.

How important is the orange zest in this recipe?

It’s very important because it provides a fresh, bright citrus note that complements the cloves perfectly and elevates the entire flavor profile of the cookies.

Can I use orange juice instead of orange extract?

Orange extract is more concentrated and less watery, so it’s best for the recipe. Using orange juice could change the dough’s texture and make it too wet.

What does rolling the dough balls in sugar do?

Rolling in sugar creates a slightly crunchy, sparkly crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy—a delightful contrast that makes these cookies stand out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, but results may vary, especially with texture. Experiment carefully and adjust as needed for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Cookies with Clove and Orange Zest Recipe is truly one of those gems that feel both festive and comforting anytime you bake them. The balance of warm spice and bright citrus creates a cookie that’s far from ordinary and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite to bake and share. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and fill your home with that amazing aroma!